Bridge Turning Scheduled for March 1st
On Sunday March 1st at 11 a.m. the Historic Harmar Bridge will be turned and officially close until funds are raised to restore the Harmar Bridge through our Save Harmar Bridge campaign.
So, what does it take to close the Bridge? What will tomorrow entail?
The Bridge will be prepared to turn. Historic Harmar Bridge Co. volunteers will have to go underneath the span that turns to check the eight rollers that allow the span to turn. If necessary, the rollers will be greased. The area around the wheels will be cleaned to make sure there is no debris or obstruction which could jam the wheel as it turns.
Two temporary steel plates are removed from each end of the walking path that makes the connection between the rest of the span.
Between 8-10 people - the turning team - will get in position on the “key.” The key is a 4’ tall steel shaft with four arms like spokes in a compass. The key connects to a series of gears which drive the mechanism that turns the bridge.
It will take approximately 22 full revolutions as the turning team walks in a counter-clockwise circle to get to the full open position.
While preparations are being made, JJ Sands will be moving the "Major" down from his dock at The Valley Gem. This vessel will be rafted at the base of the swing span pier.
Once the “Major” is secure, the turning team will have two options to get off the swing span. The top deck of the Major will be 10’-20’ or so from the turning team’s postion based on actual river height. The turning team will use either a conventional extention ladder or a collapsable fire escape ladder. The team will also have fall protection equipment, if needed.
The turning team, one by one, will climb down to the Major. Once onboard, the turning team will all return to The Valley Gem dock.
At 11 a.m., prior to the turning of the bridge, remarks will be made by Chuck Swaney, President of the Historic Harmar Bridge Co., by the Harmar Village Walkway sign on the east side of the Muskingum River. From start to finish, the full event will take no longer than one full hour. Please be advised that times are subject to change.